The Mauritius Digital Nomad Visa opens up new horizons for remote workers seeking an idyllic setting to combine work and leisure. This innovative visa program invites individuals to embrace the unique blend of professional opportunities and tropical beauty that Mauritius has to offer.
Does Mauritius have a digital nomad visa?
Yes. Mauritius unveiled its digital nomad visa, commonly referred to as the Premium Visa, in October 2020. This initiative permits individuals engaged in remote work to reside and conduct their professional activities in Mauritius for a duration of one year, and there is the possibility of renewal for an additional year.
Benefits of Mauritius digital nomad visa
The process of applying for a digital nomad visa in Mauritius is simplified with an online application that can be completed in just a few minutes, providing a response within 48 hours via email.
Mauritius offers a relatively low cost of living for digital nomads. While Port Louis is considered the most expensive city, with average apartment rents ranging from $400 to $800 per month, more affordable options can be found outside the city. General living expenses include meals costing between $6.71 and $33.56, basic utilities at $51.65 per month, internet at $31.80 per month, and transportation expenses such as a one-way ticket for $0.83 and a monthly pass for $22.37. Additionally, the digital nomad visa permits the inclusion of family members and dependents, enhancing the appeal for those seeking a flexible work-life balance.
Mauritius offers a relatively low cost of living for digital nomads. While Port Louis is considered the most expensive city, with average apartment rents ranging from $400 to $800 per month, more affordable options can be found outside the city. General living expenses include meals costing between $6.71 and $33.56, basic utilities at $51.65 per month, internet at $31.80 per month, and transportation expenses such as a one-way ticket for $0.83 and a monthly pass for $22.37. Additionally, the digital nomad visa permits the inclusion of family members and dependents, enhancing the appeal for those seeking a flexible work-life balance.
Who can apply for Mauritius digital nomad visa?
To be eligible for the Mauritius Premium Visa, designed for individuals planning a stay in Mauritius for up to one year as tourists, retirees, or remote professionals, certain criteria must be met:
- Possession of a valid passport is a fundamental requirement.
- Commitment to remote work: Applicants must be engaged in remote work for a company, clients, or operate a business located outside of Mauritius.
- A minimum monthly income is mandated for applicants.
- Providing evidence of long-term plans and living arrangements in Mauritius is a compulsory part of the application process.
- A commitment not to participate in the local labor market or compete with local enterprises is an expected condition.
- Comprehensive travel and health insurance coverage for the entire duration of the stay in Mauritius is a prerequisite for eligibility.
Is it possible to change tourist visa to digital nomad visa in Mauritius?
If you do not qualify for the Mauritius premium visa, you still have the option to travel to Mauritius and pursue digital nomad work. Follow these steps:
- Obtain a tourist visa
- Travel to Mauritius
- Collect necessary documents
- Apply for the premium visa
- Submit the application and await approval
Digital nomad visa in Mauritius: requirements
To apply for a Mauritius digital nomad visa, you'll need to complete an online application form and provide the following documents:
- A filled-out online application form.
- Copy of the biometric data page of your passport.
- Passport-size photo.
- Copy of your airline ticket, including a return ticket if your stay exceeds six months.
- Travel and health insurance tailored for digital nomads and remote workers living abroad in Mauritius. If you're accompanied by dependents, such as a spouse or children, you'll need International Medical Insurance for them.
- Letter of accommodation, which can be a hotel booking, lease, rental agreement, or a letter of sponsorship if you are sponsored locally. Include proof of address, copy of ID, or residence permit if applicable.
- Proof of funds, which can be demonstrated through copies of recent bank statements for the last three months or proof of monthly income.
- Proof of dependents, including a marriage certificate for spouses and birth certificates or a letter of consent for children when accompanied by only one parent.
Documents required for applying for Mauritius digital nomad visa
To apply for the Mauritius Premium Visa, you must furnish the following documents:
- A valid passport with a minimum of six months validity.
- Passport-size photograph.
- Round-trip flight tickets for a stay extending beyond six months.
- Travel and health insurance policy covering the initial stay in Mauritius.
- Evidence of adequate funds to support yourself and your family, demonstrated through a bank statement or proof of monthly income.
- Letter of accommodation for the intended period, which can be a hotel booking, rental contract, or a letter from a host.
- Certificate of project or a letter from your employer or client affirming your intention to work remotely from Mauritius.
- For accompanying dependents or family members, provide marriage or birth certificates (in English or French) and a letter of consent if being accompanied by only one parent.
Mauritius digital nomad visa: requirements for income
For the Mauritius digital nomad visa income requirements, applicants can submit either recent bank statements covering the past three months or proof of monthly income. To meet the eligibility criteria, a minimum monthly income of $1500 is required.
How to apply for Mauritius digital nomad visa as a digital nomad?
To acquire a Mauritius premium visa, the online application process is outlined as follows:
- Collect the necessary documents in advance, ensuring you have electronic copies ready for uploading on the application platform.
- Initiate the application by clicking on the 'Apply' button on the official visa application website.
- Submit the completed application and await approval.
- Make arrangements to travel to Mauritius.
How much does Mauritius digital nomad visa cost?
The Mauritius Digital Nomad (Premium) Visa is provided without any charges. It is important to apply through the official application portal managed by the Mauritius Economic Development Board. However, if you choose to use private visa agencies to assist with your application, they may impose a service fee.
Paying taxes as a digital nomad in Mauritius
Mauritius boasts one of the world's lowest tax rates, with a 15% levy on both corporate and individual incomes. Notably, offshore businesses in Mauritius, not engaged with Mauritanians or using the local currency, enjoy tax exemptions. The country applies a 15% value-added tax (VAT), a 5% land transfer tax, and imposes stamp duty ranging from MUR 25 to MUR 1,000 ($0.55 to $21.98) on various documents.
For digital nomads in Mauritius, there is no mandatory tax obligation. The key is to ensure that your income is deposited into a foreign account and does not enter Mauritius. However, if your stay extends beyond 183 days, adherence to local tax laws becomes necessary.
For digital nomads in Mauritius, there is no mandatory tax obligation. The key is to ensure that your income is deposited into a foreign account and does not enter Mauritius. However, if your stay extends beyond 183 days, adherence to local tax laws becomes necessary.
Timeline for applying for Mauritius digital nomad visa
The processing time for a Digital Nomad Visa in Mauritius is approximately 48 hours. Following the application submission, applicants can expect to receive an email confirming or denying their application status.
What if I’m not eligible for Mauritius premium visa as a digital nomad?
If the Mauritius Premium Visa isn't accessible for digital nomads, alternative options for entry and stay include applying for a Tourist Visa, suitable for short leisure stays. This can be obtained through the nearest Mauritian embassy, consulate, or an online service, requiring similar documentation to the Premium Visa, with a potential need for an invitation letter from a Mauritian sponsor. The Tourist Visa allows a validity of up to 60 days, extendable for an additional 30 days. Some nationalities may also qualify for a Visa on Arrival, which entails completing an application form, paying a fee of 100 USD at the airport, and providing passport details, return ticket, and accommodation proof. This visa is initially valid for 60 days, with an option for a 30-day extension. Additionally, those involved in business activities can apply for a Business Visa, requiring documentation similar to the Tourist Visa, along with a letter from a Mauritian employer or business partner outlining the visit's purpose and duration. The Business Visa allows a stay of up to 120 days in a calendar year, extendable for an extra 90 days. Alternatively, individuals interested in working or investing can pursue an Occupation Permit, which combines work and residence privileges. Criteria depend on the permit category (investor, professional, self-employed, retired non-citizen, or young professional), with supporting documents such as a passport, CV, qualifications, contract, business plan, and bank statements. The Occupation Permit is initially valid for up to 10 years, with the option for renewal.
